HAMILTON — The downturn in the economy caused many industries to lose their financial ground, causing deep cuts into revenue streams and high unemployment rates. But there is one industry that continued to thrive despite the dismal days of economic slumber. An enterprising business focused on health, well-being and that was once designated only for the rich, is now affordable, accessible and growing; and, the Hand & Stone Spa is a perfect example of bringing luxury to the masses.

“For $50 you can escape for an hour with a massage or a facial,” said and Todd Leff, the Chief Executive Officer of Hand & Stone. “Some cannot invest in a big grand vacation right now but people have 50 bucks to invest into their health and wellbeing and it is convenient and affordable.”

Since partnering with founder John Marco in 2009, the low cost, high quality chain of spas has seen double digit revenue growth. In 2011 the company’s annual sales were $30 million and jumped to $55 million by the end of 2012.

Advertisement

The company has also enjoyed an increased in the number of locations throughout the United State and Canada, from 25 locations in 2009 to 97 corporate and franchised locations in 2012 and projections to open an additional 44 spas in 2013.

The secret to the company’s success is simple, make the services affordable, make the locations easy to get to and full of kind hearted employees. “It’s getting great people to come work for the spa and who believe in the concept,” said Leff. “And consumers love the services and the convenience of being able come to a location that is easily accessible .

Over 50 percent of appointments are booked on the same day and locations open early and close late, giving customers an opportunity to enjoy a pampering service before or after work.

Hand and Stone’s business model is unique and according to Leff, is a byproduct of the recent recession. “I think some of our success is due to the downturn in the economy,” he said. “We have expanded our base because we are really targeting the middle market consumer, we are giving them a higher end experience but at a lower end price point.”

Although the Hamilton-based company has benefitted greatly over the last 3 years, the spa and wellness industry in general has enjoyed a steady increase over the last decade growing from a $5 billion industry in 1999 to $13.4 billion in 2011, according to the International Spa Association. The industry has grown consistently even through the recession with total annual sales in 2009 at $12.3 billion for the industry and in 2010 increased further to $12.8 billion.

In addition to revenue, each spa location also kicks starts job growth in the area. The Hamilton Hand and Stone, located in the Market Place Mall, employees over 30 full time and part time employees, and many of the estheticians and massage therapist are able to build their own schedule meeting with new clients who becoming customer favorites. “The beauty is that the therapist make their own hours and because we are very busy the therapist are very happy,” said Leff. “We also have an employee program where every employee can have one free spa service once a month.”

The pop-up spa locations seem to be a win-win for customers and employees, offering both perks and benefits most big name wellness centers cannot. “We’re really focused on delivering value and making it easy to enjoy,” the CEO boasts.